I spent this afternoon with Robert Cialdini (yes, the Influence guy).
Cialdini was speaking at the Fortune Small Business Conference and I went with my friend Donna Fox to record an interview with him.
I’ll post a link to that interview when it’s done.
He told us about some new information and I asked if I could share it. So you’ll be among the first to hear..
On the subject of Likability, Cialdini told us that all of the sales training that says that you need to get people to like you is wrong. You know, the “find out what their hobbies are.. what you have in common so you can bond” stuff.
He explained that this will often come off as a fake. And here is the reason why.
To really bond with a person, you should focus on liking them. Really, sincerely liking the people you meet and want to influence. Once you find a real reason to like them, it’s much easier for them to like you.
People buy from those they know, like and trust. The best way to be likable is to like people
I just received a question from Solly at AskWarren.com about finding people to help an author promote their book. I’d like to share my answer with you.
The first this to remember about partnerships is The Law of Reciprocity. Approach every relationship as an opportunity to add value, solve a problem or fulfill the desire of the other person and you’ll find that it’s much easier to get what you want.
The Law of Reciprocity says that if you give something to a person, they will automatically programed to want to return the favor.
Let’s apply this to promotional partnerships.
I can almost guarantee that the people you are looking for are not listing “help a new author sell books” on their list of goals for the year. Rather, the potential partner is looking for more content for their blog, radio show, newsletter or magazine, or and interesting guest to attract more viewers. If the potential partner is a mailing list owner, they will be looking for the above, plus new subscribers.
So before you ask for help. Learn what the partner wants.. get if for them.. be a resource.
In our Accelerated Book Marketing coaching group, we follow this process by showing authors how to establish a solid presence on the web, with tracking to know instantly when there is an opportunity. We have a whole section on attracting publicity by getting listed as a resource that potential partners will be looking for, even before we launch a campaign to become a best seller.
Here’s one tip from our section on Cross Promotion strategies that may help.
BE A GREAT CUSTOMER
When I’m working with a successful celebrity client, I ask them how they feel when someone approaches them in public. I want to know just what gets them motivated to help new authors (they almost always WANT to help but have limited time and resources).
Most authors tell me that someone approaching them that has read their books, subscribed to their newsletters or purchase a product will get a warm reception. A heartfelt testimonial is even better.
Imagine walking up to the most famous author in your books category saying “I read your book. You helped me….” and then the most important phrase.. “What can I do to help you spread your message further?”
Now, you may not be able to meet in person. Fortunately, the Internet will allow you to do this online.
1. Make a list of the authors you would like to partner with
2. Subscribe to their newsletter.
3. Watch for announcements of new books.
4. Order the book.
5. See who they partner with.. repeat the process with each.
As you start looking for partners in the network of authors that help promote other authors, you will discover dozens that are actively using cross promotions. Make sure you subscribe to their mailing lists, look at their free offers (that’s how they market) and look for clues about their passions and desires.
You really can get anything you want by helping other people get what they want.
The fastest way to network this way is through our ZeroCostPromotions.com network. You can join free and most promotions a free too. Make sure you are on the list to get advanced notice of the biggest new cross promotion book launches at http://zerocostpromotions.com/
I was just chatting with JP Maroney about book marketing strategies and learned about his new project.
Take a look.
The JP Maroney Blog » (Brain Trust Pt 2) “Brain Trust Gone Wild…”
I was recently interviewed by Gary Bremermann of PowerUpEnglish.com. He has a podcast intended for non-Native English speakers and interviews top experts and authors on business topics. I’ve refered several of my clients to him to expand their audience.Take a look at what he does. You may be an appropriate guest. And you will want to look at how he has built a following in his target market (he’s an expatriate American recruter in Japan)… now much better known as an expert in his field from this simple idea.Book Marketing Strategist Warren Whitlock Interviewed by PowerUpEnglish.com
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For a few moments when I woke up this morning I forgot where I was.
You have come to expect the best book marketing and promotion advice from me.
I take that seriously and wind up in some odd places to stay on top of the latest trends, test new techniques, and report them to you here.
Yesterday, I set up a deal that will allow any author to sell more books, increase online recognition and create a new income stream. (and there is ZERO up front costs).
More on that very soon…
Creating a lot of “buzz” for you and your book is easy once you learn the step by step approach we’ve been using. We are just finishing up the details of a practical system that ANY author can use.
and.. It will GUARANTEE your success.
To test this program, I am looking for a few volunteers.
Just submit your comment to my ONE QUESTION SURVEY at:
http://askwarren.com/
I want to make sure we are addressing every question and challenge you have in marketing and promoting your book online.
I’m expecting hundreds of responses.
I promise to get to all of them in the order received. You will want to take a moment now to get in early..
http://askwarren.com/
When you share with me, I’ll see that you get a personal reply, plus an early bird look at the secret new program.
I committed to see you succeed at selling more books and getting the online recognition you deserve.
I look forward to your response.
PS. I’m going to keep track of the answers from the survey site, so I’d prefer you click through to respond.
But comments here will be viewed.. always welcome, and links to what you are doing encouraged.
I just got off the phone with my friend Tinu.
We talked about getting you more readers for your book and website.
Tinu is a web traffic guru who has been reaching lots of new blog readers to
her blog from Facebook.
Are you having F.U.N. yet?
F.U.N. is Tinu’s formula for making REAL CONNECTIONS from Facebook traffic.
Here’s a FREE download to get you started.
http://BestSellerAuthors.com/fun
You will want read it now and I strongly recommend you get her
inexpensive report.
Spend a few minutes setting up what will be a very important part of your
future marketing.
Warren
— How are you using Facebook? —
Post a comment about how you use FB and social media to promote your book and business. (be sure to include a link so we can see what you are promoting)
